I have been thinking of this idea for about a month as I have been reading and responding to the threads on this board. It is my impression that there are a number of new/novice fly fishers joining the ranks - perhaps more than usual. I remember those days myself, and of course have met some beginners on the stream over the years.
It seems most of the new flyfishers are on the west side of Toronto - although I am not restricting this suggestion to only them.
I am offering to review equipment (and proper set-up), and teach casting for (almost) free at a location within one hour of Toronto for a session of about 2 hours. I will bring the targets, some simple handouts, a couple of rod examples, and the extra leader & fly stuff needed for practice casting. I can do this on the weekend of October 19 - details to be arranged by the participants.
Why would I do this?
I enjoy teaching and seeing the Ah-ha reaction in new casters - or those who need to overcome a casting challenge.
By practicing teaching I become a better teacher - and if I hope to become a FFF Master Instructor I could use the practice.
I really become disturbed/disappointed/sorry when I see a newbie casting poorly and thus reducing his/her enjoyment and possibly giving up. Flyfishing is so much fun, and generates so many good conservation citizens, that I want more people to find it easy and to encourage others.
This is what I would like from the participants:
Someone in the area from Burlington to Guelph to maybe Alliston to take the lead to organize the place and time.
I think it is fair to have a central location so everyone (including me from Toronto) drives an hour or less.
The place should be a park or football field - water is not necessary.
A picnic table for equipment set-up and as a focus would be nice but not essential.
All casters will have their own (or borrowed) equipment.
This will not happen if the date is rainy or has winds above 20KM/hour - too hard to teach.
3 or 4 ‘students’ would be fine, if there are more than 6 I will see if I can get another ‘coach’ to come along.
The (almost) part is that I am happy to provide the time but would like the participants to each contribute enough that I can cover gas costs - like $30-$35 total.
I had mentioned to MadRiver that I might come to the Steelhead outing, but that is a long way for one day, and who wants to stop for a lesson when there are steelhead to be caught? I think some practice ahead of time is a better idea.
I hope I am not stepping on any toes here - I don't mean to poach on any guide's territory for instance. Let the discussion begin, whatever happens (or doesn't) is OK with me.
Greg
It seems most of the new flyfishers are on the west side of Toronto - although I am not restricting this suggestion to only them.
I am offering to review equipment (and proper set-up), and teach casting for (almost) free at a location within one hour of Toronto for a session of about 2 hours. I will bring the targets, some simple handouts, a couple of rod examples, and the extra leader & fly stuff needed for practice casting. I can do this on the weekend of October 19 - details to be arranged by the participants.
Why would I do this?
I enjoy teaching and seeing the Ah-ha reaction in new casters - or those who need to overcome a casting challenge.
By practicing teaching I become a better teacher - and if I hope to become a FFF Master Instructor I could use the practice.
I really become disturbed/disappointed/sorry when I see a newbie casting poorly and thus reducing his/her enjoyment and possibly giving up. Flyfishing is so much fun, and generates so many good conservation citizens, that I want more people to find it easy and to encourage others.
This is what I would like from the participants:
Someone in the area from Burlington to Guelph to maybe Alliston to take the lead to organize the place and time.
I think it is fair to have a central location so everyone (including me from Toronto) drives an hour or less.
The place should be a park or football field - water is not necessary.
A picnic table for equipment set-up and as a focus would be nice but not essential.
All casters will have their own (or borrowed) equipment.
This will not happen if the date is rainy or has winds above 20KM/hour - too hard to teach.
3 or 4 ‘students’ would be fine, if there are more than 6 I will see if I can get another ‘coach’ to come along.
The (almost) part is that I am happy to provide the time but would like the participants to each contribute enough that I can cover gas costs - like $30-$35 total.
I had mentioned to MadRiver that I might come to the Steelhead outing, but that is a long way for one day, and who wants to stop for a lesson when there are steelhead to be caught? I think some practice ahead of time is a better idea.
I hope I am not stepping on any toes here - I don't mean to poach on any guide's territory for instance. Let the discussion begin, whatever happens (or doesn't) is OK with me.
Greg
